The Shorter University administration has suspended Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tyler Murray two games for a matter regarding player eligibility that was ultimately cleared by the NCAA.

The issue involves star point guard Phil Taylor, who leads the NCAA in scoring with 34.9 points per game, and his participation in a game versus Valdosta State on Monday January 9. Due in part to a conflict over scholarship money, Taylor was deemed ineligible by the Shorter administration for the VSU game.

The matter was then self-reported to the NCAA, a body which ruled no wrongdoing had taken place and no penalty was necessary for Taylor or Murray.
The Shorter administration decided to act despite the NCAA ruling and informed Murray he would not be allowed to coach the Hawks against Christian Brothers on Thursday evening or Union on Saturday afternoon. Taylor was suspended by the administration for one game, a penalty served on January 12.

Interim Athletic Director Aaron Kelton told 99.5 The Jock he remained “100% behind Tyler.” When asked why they decided to suspend both Murray and Taylor, Kelton said the issue had “not been handled well” and that self-imposing suspensions was their choice despite the NCAA ruling against any punishment.

Assistant Coach Tyler Parker has been named interim head coach until Murray is reinstated on Monday for the game against Lee University in Rome. Kelton said he fully expects Murray to return to the bench Monday night.